사진 확대 Bae Ji-hwan left the Pittsburgh Pirates to play for the New York Mets. Associated Press
Bae Ji-hwan, who was virtually released from the Pittsburgh Pirates of the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB), will wear a New York Mets uniform.
MLB.COM said on the 7th (Korea Standard Time), “The Mets recruited Bae Ji-hwan, who was announced on waivers, through waivers claims (intention to transfer rights to players). The Mets are planning to put Bae Ji-hwan on the 40-man roster, adding, “Bae Ji-hwan is a low-priced and versatile player. The Mets, who have to fill the center field gap, chose him,” he said.
The Mets found a replacement for Tyrone Taylor, the main center fielder, as he fell into a severe slump, with only 0.598 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) in the 2025 season. The Mets, who reviewed several players, succeeded in recruiting Bae Ji-hwan, who was put up for sale. Bae Ji-hwan, who is capable of both infield and outfield defense, can be used as a logistical and pinch-runner agent as he is fast to his feet.
The low salary also played an important role in the Mets’ choice of badges. Bae Ji-hwan’s salary in the 2025 season is reportedly the lowest in the league ($760,000), which is only $775,000.
It is the first time Bae Ji-hwan has moved his team since entering the U.S. Bae Ji-hwan, who signed with Pittsburgh in March 2018, made his big league debut in 2022 after going through the minor leagues. In 2023, he appeared to take over as the main player with a batting average of 0.231, two homers, 32 RBIs and 24 steals in 11 games.
However, he has not had a chance to play since last year, and has been sluggish in 13 games this year with a batting average of 0.050 (one hit in 20 at-bats) and four steals. Pittsburgh, which began reorganizing its squad after the 2025 season, announced Bae Ji-hwan on waivers on the 5th.